Soundclouds of the Underground: Producer Watch Edition


ABOVE: P. MORRIS

These days, music truly lives online, with an infinite number of websites dedicated to hosting tunes for the laptop-wielding masses. However, the web’s bottomless pit of blogs isn’t the only place to troll for mp3 treasures—some of the newest and most exciting (Internet-friendly) artists can be sought out via Soundcloud, the online stage that allows musicians to promote and distribute their music to fans and friends across the globe. In this weekly column, expert Internet sleuth Alex Chapman goes into the depths of the music-sharing site, in hopes of shedding light on emerging acts, as well as sharing some digital diamonds in the rough.

Behind every good track is a good producer (duh), but with the rapid-fire creation of content, it’s hard to keep track of the beatmakers whose repertoires are truly worth exploring. Below are three acts whose production you should keep on your radar.

P. Morris: “Before You Disappear”

Who: Formerly known as Morri$, the talented producer has had a hand in some of the coolest releases of the past couple of years, such as Kelela‘s triumphant debut Cut For Me and rapper Le1f’s Dark York. More recently, Morris’ sultry, sophisticated R&B sounds have garnered well-deserved attention from a tour with fast-rising star FKA Twigs.

The Song: Starting things off in a cinematic fashion with a heavy synth and muffled, vocal hums, “Before You Disappear” is a testament to P. Morris’ incredible musical control. The song is a story, hitting hard with washed out drums and snaps, and then pulling back to add a guitar riff. The track keeps coming in waves, washing over the listener and then snapping back into consciousness.

Current Project:  The track is off of the producer’s upcoming EP Beloved, which will be released October 28  and is currently available to pre-order. For all of your other P. Morris’ needs, head to his Facebook page.  

Kool A.D. & Safe: “Who’s In Charge?” (Produced by Steel Tipped Dove)

Who: Steel Tipped Dove has had a hand in more tracks than you may realize—the producer has become the go-to go for the Greedhead crew and their affiliates, creating standout tracks with artists like Lakutis, Antwon, Heems, and more.

The Song: The producer worked with two of his frequent collaborators, SAFE and Kool A.D. (formerly of Das Racist), for this newest cut. “Who’s in Charge” finds A.D.’s twisty, comical style at work over an understated and smooth beat that gives both the rapper and singer SAFE room to ruminate on the ways of the world.

Current Project: Head to Steel Tipped Dove’s Bandcamp for more music.

Bondax: “All I See” (Pomo Remix)

Who: A Canadian talent who lives in the same sonic sphere as Kaytranada (the two share Huh What & Where as their label), Pomo has hit the remix scene hard. His biggest track so far is a super cool, super funky take on Tinashe’s “Vulnerable.”

The Song: Pomo’s edit takes a different approach than Tinashe’s original, starting things slow with his euphoric remix of Bondax’s “All I See.” Sexy drums and an echoing synth compliment Tanya Lacey’s energetic vocals. Before long, Pomo morphs the track into an entrancing dancefloor jam.

Current Project:  Pomo’s European tour starts tomorrow—find out dates and more via Facebook.  

Soundclouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.